Bhubaneswar, 03 November (H.S.): Calling for responsible political conduct during natural disasters, Odisha Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Tuesday urged opposition parties to extend cooperation to the government instead of engaging in political criticism and rhetoric during the ongoing crisis.

Reacting to the opposition's political statements over the flood and cyclone situation in the state, Harichandan said responsible political parties should come forward to help address public difficulties and minimise the impact of disasters.

“Whenever people's lives are affected by a crisis or damage, responsible political parties should step forward to help tackle the situation. In the past, when we were in the Opposition, we did not merely criticise the government. We extended our cooperation and helped create the necessary conditions for the government to function effectively,” he said.

He maintained that political parties and leaders who consider themselves responsible should prioritise cooperation over criticism during such challenging times.

Taking a dig at the opposition, particularly the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Harichandan alleged that the party was resorting to political attacks and publicity tactics to protect its political relevance amid internal challenges.

“At present, the Opposition appears to be reacting out of desperation. With its political position weakening and internal dissent growing, attempts are being made to preserve its political existence by abusing leaders of other parties, using parodies and mimicry, and circulating AI-generated images. These activities appear to be aimed at gaining political mileage,” he alleged.

Referring to the BJD and its president Naveen Patnaik, the minister said both had considerable political experience and should demonstrate greater responsibility in their public conduct.

“I believe that if the Biju Janata Dal and Naveen Babu demonstrate a little more responsible behaviour, it would be a more appropriate step, both from the perspective of politics and in the larger interest of Odisha,” he said.

Harichandan stressed that all political parties should work in the right direction in the interest of the state, particularly when people are facing difficulties due to natural calamities.

He said cooperation among political parties and constructive engagement with the government would be more beneficial for the people than political confrontation during a disaster.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda